The King's Commission by Larner
Amy Earls · 3 March 2005 · Chapter 66: Master of the Household
Can't wait until Aragorn returns and the new members of Ruvemir's household have their turn to faint away!
Author's reply
I don't know how many will faint away, as most of these had no reason to know the Lord Captain Thorongil. The revelations of the manipulations behind the war will be interesting, though.
Sally.Maria · 3 March 2005 · Chapter 66: Master of the Household
I just wanted to let you know how much I've been enjoying this story. I started it on HASA after it was mentioned on the HA list and was pleasantly surprised today to find another 10 or so chapters here. I think it is a fine example of how an original character can be an asset rather than a handicap to a story, both in being likeable in his own right and shedding new light on the canon characters. You've also given him a likeable entourage of family and friends who fill out the world of Minas Tirith. I shall be eagerly awaiting the rest of the story, though I could almost wish it didn't have to end - like LotR itself, you want to carry on reading about these characters forever.
Author's reply
Thank you, this is a great compliment. However, all good things must come to an end, and I hope fairly soon, lest I rival LOTR in length. Hope you continue to enjoy the story. I can't seem to update as often on HASA as here, so tend to add two and three chapters at once quite often.
Dreamflower · 3 March 2005 · Chapter 66: Master of the Household
Looks like Ruvemir's household is beginning to fall into place. I love the way he and Elise take in strays, most of whom are damaged in some way--it's just lovely, and shows him to be the right kind of person to understand and depict the Ringbearer. I really loved the last couple of sentences, talking about Aragorn as a healer. I personally feel that he thought of healing as his primary calling, and being a warrior and a king were just things he *had* to do out of duty. Great chapter as usual.
Author's reply
I have had that feeling as well, obviously. Strays? Perhaps, although I hope somehow to bring Liana to the attention of Ifram or Shefti.... I have a bit of a matchmaker in me, I find. Hope to continue to please.
Dreamflower · 3 March 2005 · Chapter 65: Healing through Teaching
Goodness! Ruvemir's certainly not going to have time to miss Ririon and Pando now! Eleven people! His household has certainly grown overnight! I love the way you keep bringing in new characters, to whom all this is new. It keeps everything fresh, as the information is filtered through another POV, and adds depth to the layers of the story. Still waiting to see Varondil get his just dues...
Author's reply
Yes, Ruvemir's world is growing. "Much is expected from those to whom much has been given"--and who best to embody this than Ruvemir? Varondil's punishment is still being put off until the return of the King.
Raksha The Demon · 3 March 2005 · Chapter 65: Healing through Teaching
Nice to see Faramir in action again! Oh, there's no indication that Faramir's eyes are "mild" in TTT/ROTK, more like keen and bright, glinting, etc. Though I imagine his eyes can appear gentle, depending on his mood and purpose. Interesting bit about the doll and the thorns - seems like voodoo going on there. It's a very interesting and unusual story....
Author's reply
Gabon is from the south of Harad, after all--I thought folk there might use such a type of magic to control those taken as slaves. Thanks for the feedback. (And I admit that I'm a bit inspired by movie Faramir, who could say volumes with the glint of his eyes and the raising of an eyebrow, but who at the same time had rather mild eyes when there was no need to question impudent halflings.
Kitty · 3 March 2005 · Chapter 65: Healing through Teaching
*smile* Of course Ruvemir has to take care of all of Varondil's apprentices who want to continue this at all. And I am glad Celebgil stays with him. Maybe the other apprentice to go to Eriador will be Celebgils friend? And a housekeeper with a crippled child - there can be no better place for her to work. Somehow Ruvemir tends to gather persons with difficulties in body or spirit around himself - it is nice to see how he tries to help others in need. And I loved the way how Arwen and Faramir helped poor Gabon. My mother has a friend who was badly beaten by her father. She was always determined not to become as her father was, and she managed it. This way of child abuse is not as bad as the things Varondil did, but in one aspect it is the same - many of this children do later the same to their own children, too. So I think it is often (even if maybe not always) a matter of the own will whether they overcome it or not, and probably if there is someone to help. I am very glad your student was able to get over it, and the same goes for your adoptive daughter. It is admirable that you was brave enough to take this girl in, although this can't have been easy. And I wish all of you the best for now and the future!
Author's reply
My daughter is in her thirties now and has raised two boys, neither of whom have ever known what their mother knew as a child. Yes, it was difficult--twice difficult, as my stepson inherited his mother's mental illness as well and had to learn to accept the diagnosis and the treatment; and my grandsons have also inherited biochemical imbalances rife in the birth families of both their father and their mother. We have dealt with ADD, ADHD, ODD, bipolar disorder, and several other conditions among the group, children and son-in-law and grandsons. But it has proven worth it. Thanks for your feedback.
Breon Briarwood · 2 March 2005 · Chapter 65: Healing through Teaching
Sorry for not commenting for a while, I tend to read-and-run a lot, but I've got to say this chapter is a huge relief! It's good to see everyone finding their place. The last chapters have not been an easy read, but it just illustrates that the evil never really dies; it just changes form and that vigilance is never ending. Wonderful job you're doing on this!
Author's reply
It is wonderful the reaction I have received from you. Yes, we must be ever vigilant, but also prepared as much for the best as for the worst. And it is ours to bring about the best as we can. Thanks for the feedback.
Lindelea · 2 March 2005 · Chapter 3: Meeting with the Patron
I had the thought that Ruvemir and Gimli could trade commiseries (is that a word? I know "commiserate" is, but not sure of the form of what I was thinking) over the travails of riding in ships. Mmmm, I love seeing the White City through your character's eyes. I am chuckling now as Ruvemir tries to fit the pieces of the puzzle together. How long will you stretch out the joke, before he finds out who Strider really is? The Ernil i Pheriannath himself gave us directions on how to best adapt rooms for their comfort. (delighted laugh! ...and the following description so well fits what a hobbit might describe as "comfort", even to the "green and gold" reflecting a hobbit's preference for yellow and green) Halfway through the chapter I am interrupted. *sigh* Hope to get back to this soon.
Author's reply
Possibly you want "commisseration," but that isn't quite it, either. Ruvemir is being rather dense about the identity of his patron, isn't he? Where's my thesaurus program when I want it? It was wiped out in the meltdown of my system at Christmastime, I fear. Will have to search through my collection of CD-ROM programs to find it. And I thought the yellow and green was appropriate as well.
Bodkin · 2 March 2005 · Chapter 64: Aftermath from Perversion
Nasty Vorondil! Ripples in a pond - ripples in a pond. It will take a lot to bring the effects of Vorondil's vices under control. And then there is the unpleasant chap from Umbar. The complexity of the story increases chapter by chapter!
Author's reply
Life does seem to get more complex as we go along, doesn't it? And Landrion will be meeting two Rangers from Eriador soon.
Dreamflower · 2 March 2005 · Chapter 64: Aftermath from Perversion
Oh dear, this *is* so sad. I could not see skipping it when you have handled everything so gently; you did so again in this chapter. And I really love that Glorfindel is offering the comfort of the Elves to Ruvemir--and perhaps to some of Varondil's other victims as well. It is silly, really to want to see revenge on a fictional character, but I hope that we see Varondil suffer for what he's done.
Author's reply
I find myself in sympathy with Celebgil's mother--let him live with the results of his behavior for as long as possible--although I haven't written ahead to the King's judgment. Aragorn may surprise us all.
Anonymous · 2 March 2005 · Chapter 64: Aftermath from Perversion
It is very hard to read these chapters. I hope that these characters can help each other undo some of the harm. For those of us who are survivors, there are many scars, and comfort is not that easy sometimes.
Author's reply
My daughter was the child of abuse from her birth family. She is the only one of the four whose fates I am aware of who has recovered from what she saw and endured as a small child. I know she feels with you.
harrowcat · 2 March 2005 · Chapter 64: Aftermath from Perversion
Oh Larner, you made me cry. You have handled these chapters so beautifully. And the way that you drew it back and linked it to the experiences of the hobbits was absolutly wonderful. I had forgotten that Glorfindel was still in the city. I am glad he was there too! That even this experience will assist in the making of the statues is a lesson for us all. Thank you so much for updating so regularly.
Author's reply
That is Ruvemir's purpose in the capitol--to remind others of what Frodo, Sam, Merry, and Pippin endured for the world, including the world of Men. I felt he would need to connect to them at this point, particularly with Sam.
Kitty · 2 March 2005 · Chapter 64: Aftermath from Perversion
O Valar, this is getting worser and worser. They did destroy themselves? How sad! But then, it is probably to expect after all they have been through. And Varondil has his own son on his conscience? I don't know what to say - he is truly a monster. And it doesn't truly matter if he was abused as a child, too. I know this happens, but I thought it always an easy excuse for ruining so much more children's souls. I am glad at last Celebgil was spared and his friend is alive. It would be to bad for Celebgil if his silence would have been the death of Meredin. How nice you're updating so fast - I would burst if I had to wait weeks or months for more! Thank you again for the daily updates! And now please excuse me while I go to negotiate with King Elessar about some time with Varondil ;-)
Author's reply
Hopefully he will respond positively. Evil all too often begets more evil; but it can beget good if we allow it. Had one student whose adoptive parents left a horrid legacy of abuse; she is an example of endurance and hope to this day. She has become a teacher also, and I rejoice that she was able to put what happened to her as a child in its place, that she grew from it, was not stifled. The same with my own daughter, whom we adopted when she was eight. What she has overcome would have killed many, destroyed the souls of her birth siblings, even. But love helped to heal her.
Tigger · 1 March 2005 · Chapter 64: Aftermath from Perversion
Poor Celebgil...So young to learn so much anguish. Ruvemir I know will do his best to help, but...Sigh. I'm glad Glorfindel was there for Ruvemir at the site where the carvings will be. I have a feeling they helped each other just then. Such a hard subject, but so well done. As always, looking forward to the next installment.
Author's reply
We all learn to deal with the world as it is exposed to us. But all will be well for Celebgil, and with Ruvemir as well. Thanks for your feedback.
Tigger · 1 March 2005 · Chapter 63: Exposing Intrigue
Hmmm...Interesting developments. I also can't wait to see what happens when Aragorn and this wannabe ruler meet up. And the evidence against Varondil seems to be piling up. Very brave of Celebgil to offer to help go through Varondil's house. That will not be an easy thing for him to do. Looking forward to the next installment!!
Author's reply
The next installment is there, of course, and I hope you continue to enjoy it.
Dreamflower · 1 March 2005 · Chapter 63: Exposing Intrigue
This is getting more and more interesting. I love the way the Good Guys are unravelling the Bad Guys almost as quickly as the plots come up. I'm wondering what they are going to find in that further search of Varondil's place. And I am looking *quite* forward to Aragorn's confrontation with Landrion.
Author's reply
As you'll be able to tell from the most recent chapters, nothing good. They do have Landrion to deal with next, though. That chapter comes soon enough.
Kitty · 1 March 2005 · Chapter 63: Exposing Intrigue
It seems Lord Hardorn and the others were quite effective in their investigations. Can't wait for Aragorn and Hardorn to visit Landrion :-D I am happy to see they start to recognise even Varondils connections with Landrion. Have I understand this right - it seems he has blackmailed Celebgil into silence? And maybe killed some of the boys? Um ... can I borrow Varondil for some time to use him as a punchingball? Can't wait for more - it is so exciting and well written!
Author's reply
I don't know if the King will grant custody of the fool to anyone else, but I understand the feelings. Yes, Varondil was blackmailing Celebgil. Such will do so oftentimes, threatening others to spare themselves. Glad you enjoy it.
Pasha ToH · 1 March 2005 · Chapter 63: Exposing Intrigue
this is unfolding beautifuly... I llok forward to seeing how the king handles this. may Eru bless your muses
Author's reply
I think my muses are proving a bit too prolific at the moment, but I thank you for the response. I only hope this doesn't grow as long as the work that inspired it.
Radbooks · 28 February 2005 · Chapter 62: Dealing with Master Varondil
I think that you handled this horrible, yet very real subject as well as it could be done. I'm so glad that those poor abused boys have a chance at a better life now and that Arwen was there for them and talked about the healing of their spirits. That is such a critical piece that often doesn't or can't, for whatever reason, happen for abused children in our society. Maybe because the abuse is not discovered until it is too late. Anyway, I'm glad that Aragorn, Elladan and Elrohir will be able to help them - fiction is a much nicer world than real life a lot of time. I guess that is why it is fun to go there! :) Anyway, a very nice job on it and I'm glad that Varondil has been discovered and will be dealt with in whatever just way the king decides.
Author's reply
There will be one more chapter dealing with the aftermath of this, which will also be noted for content. But, yes, having such as Aragorn, Elrohir and Elladan makes it easier for those who live in such places as Middle Earth.
harrowcat · 28 February 2005 · Chapter 62: Dealing with Master Varondil
A great chapter Larner. Beautifully handled with a lovely symphathy for all concerned. Thank you.
Author's reply
There is to be one further chapter on the aftermath, also so noted at the beginning. It is not an easy subject to deal with, but needs to be looked at honestly from time to time.
Kitty · 28 February 2005 · Chapter 62: Dealing with Master Varondil
Another great chapter. You have dealt with this difficult issue very well - it was probably not always easy to write. It was very satisfying to see how Dorion discovered Varondil's misdeeds. I am glad he is so honorable and will do everything to prevent further harm. Now I look forward to Aragorn's return - he probably will be quite furious, and I grant Varondil every bit of it. May I hope Celebgil can stay as apprentice with Ruvemir? The both of them would go along quite well, I think. *grins* A chapter of Ruvemir and a cup of coffee? Indeed, that is exactly what I do :-)
Author's reply
As I don't drink coffee, it tends to be a cup of hot cider for me. I know Ruvemir wishes Celebgil to remain his apprentice.
Tigger · 27 February 2005 · Chapter 62: Dealing with Master Varondil
If Varondil thinks he's in trouble right now, wait till Aragorn comes back to the City. I have a feeling he will be receiving exactly what he deserves for destroying so many lives. Well written Larner. It could not have been an easy chapter to write. As always, I look forward to the next installment.
Author's reply
Thanks so much, Tigger. Hope that the story continues to be acceptable. Am trying to wind it down, but some things keep intruding.
Dreamflower · 27 February 2005 · Chapter 62: Dealing with Master Varondil
All right!! That sleazeball Varondil is getting his, although I would love to see him interrogated by Queen Arwen--if he could even manage looking her in the eyes. And I am afraid I would like to know just what punishment is set on him. I like the delicate and sensible way you have handled this issue, showing the seriousness of the problem without any prurience, not something that is often handled successfully in most fics that touch on this topic. Congratulations. I know that Celebgil is going to be happy when he returns to the City.
Author's reply
It will be a relief for Celebgil as well as a source of some further worry. I think that much of the interrogation will wait till Aragorn returns. He has other fish to fry in Rhun and Umbar.
Eruviluieth · 27 February 2005 · Chapter 62: Dealing with Master Varondil
This was certainly a sad chapter - most sad that this sort of thing does happen, even more sad that some would think to call it normal and right. In spite of the sadness of the subject matter, I must say you did a wonderful job with it. You left no question of your subject, but no unnecessary details. No treatment of this subject can properly be called tasteful, but you came as close as possible. I loved your note at the beginning - it was wonderful, a good warning, and so true. And your ending was also excellent - Dorion's rage, horror, disgust, and guilt were refreshing in this chapter. His honour does a lot to make up for Varondil's lack in the guild, and made a nice counterpoint for reading, so it wasn't all dark and evil this chaper. I'm glad it's over for those boys, and that Celebgil was untouched. I eagerly await Varondil's sentence, but even more so his questioning - they will find out his spying, right? Surely one of the perceptive people the King surrounds himself with, if not the King himself, will realize that Varondil wouldn't get boys from Umbar, Harad, and Rhun without bartering something of value? Excellent work, will never learn the trick of waiting patiently for more!
Author's reply
There is one more chapter dealing with the aftermath which will carry the same warning--but there will be another in between. But they must already realize those who supplied him with boys must have been using him. Yes, I am proud of Dorion myself.
annmarwalk · 27 February 2005 · Chapter 62: Dealing with Master Varondil
You've taken a difficult issue, and handled it very well here. I also like the way you've given the Queen the opportunity to do something besides be beautiful and distant! And the offer of healing by Elladan and Elrohir of the abused boys was a very thoughtful detail, also.
Author's reply
Yes, I think these youths would need healing of a sort, and the Master wrote that these three, Aragorn and Elrond's sons, were equal in healing ability. I tried to be honest and tactful in discussing what happened here.